Joints

diarthrosis

Diarthrosis (= movable joint): A freely movable joint. The plural is diarthroses. All diarthroses are synovial joints. They have a variety of shapes and permit several different types of movements.

Ulnar collateral ligament

Thick, triangular ligament that extends from the medial epicondyle of the humerus to the coronoid process and olecranon of the ulna. Part of this ligament deepens the socket for the trochlea of the humerus.

amphiarthrosis

Amphiarthrosis (amphi- = on both sides): A slightly movable joint. The plural is amphiarthroses.

elbow joint

The elbow joint is a hinge joint formed by the trochlea and capitulum of the humerus, the trochlear notch of the ulna, and the head of the radius.

Acetabular labrum

Fibrocartilage rim attached to the margin of the acetabulum that enhances the depth of the acetabulum. As a result, dislocation of the femur is rare.

dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexion refers to bending of the foot at the ankle or talocrural joint (between the tibia, fibula, and talus) in the direction of the dorsum (superior surface). Dorsiflexion occurs when you stand on your heels. Its opposing movement is plantar flexion.

accessory ligaments

Many synovial joints also contain accessory ligaments called extracapsular ligaments and intracapsular ligaments. Extracapsular ligaments lie outside the articular capsule. Examples are the fibular and tibial collateral ligaments of the knee joint. Intracapsular ligaments occur within the articular capsule but are excluded from the synovial cavity by folds of the synovial membrane. Examples are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee joint.

retraction

Retraction (= to draw back) is a movement of a protracted part of the body back to the anatomical position.

synovial membrane

The inner layer of the articular capsule, the synovial membrane, is composed of areolar connective tissue with elastic fibers.

Structure or shape of the articulating bones

The structure or shape of the articulating bones determines how closely they can fit together. The articular surfaces of some bones have a complementary relationship. This spatial relationship is very obvious at the hip joint, where the head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone. An interlocking fit allows rotational movement.

Bursae

Four bursae are associated with the shoulder joint. They are the subscapular bursa, subdeltoid bursa, subacromial bursa, and subcoracoid bursa.

movements

The elbow joint allows flexion and extension of the forearm

The more important bursae of the knee include the following:

(a) Prepatellar bursa between the patella and skin (b) Infrapatellar bursa between superior part of tibia and patellar ligament (c) Suprapatellar bursa between inferior part of femur and deep surface of quadriceps femoris muscle

hyperextension

-Continuation of extension beyond the anatomical position is called hyperextension (hyper- = beyond or excessive) -Hyperextension of hinge joints, such as the elbow, interphalangeal, and knee joints, is usually prevented by the arrangement of ligaments and the anatomical alignment of the bones

a. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

-Extends posteriorly and laterally from a point anterior to the intercondylar area of the tibia to the posterior part of the medial surface of the lateral condyle of the femur. The ACL limits hyperextension of the knee (which normally does not occur at this joint) and prevents the anterior sliding of the tibia on the femur. This ligament is stretched or torn in about 70% of all serious knee injuries. -ACL injuries are much more common in females than males, perhaps as much as 3 to 6 times. The reasons are unclear but may be related to less space between the femoral condyle in females so that the space for ACL movement is limited; the wider pelvis of females that creates a greater angle between the femur and tibia and increases the risk for an ACL tear; female hormones that allow for greater flexibility of ligaments, muscles, and tendons but which do not permit them to absorb the stresses put on them, thus transferring the stresses to the ACL; and females' lesser muscle strength causing them to rely more on the ACL to hold the knee in place.

nerve and blood supply

-The nerves that supply a joint are the same as those that supply the skeletal muscles that move the joint. Synovial joints contain many nerve endings that are distributed to the articular capsule and associated ligaments. Some of the nerve endings convey information about pain from the joint to the spinal cord and brain for processing. Other nerve endings respond to the degree of movement and stretch at a joint, such as when a physician strikes the tendon below your kneecap to test your reflexes. The spinal cord and brain respond by sending impulses through different nerves to the muscles to adjust body movements. -Although many of the components of synovial joints are avascular, arteries in the vicinity send out numerous branches that penetrate the ligaments and articular capsule to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Veins remove carbon dioxide and wastes from the joints. The arterial branches from several different arteries typically merge around a joint before penetrating the articular capsule. The chondrocytes in the articular cartilage of a synovial joint receive oxygen and nutrients from synovial fluid derived from blood; all other joint tissues are supplied directly by capillaries. Carbon dioxide and wastes pass from chondrocytes of articular cartilage into synovial fluid and then into veins; carbon dioxide and wastes from all other joint structures pass directly into veins.

movements

-The shoulder joint allows flexion, extension, hyperextension, abduction, adduction, medial rotation, lateral rotation, and circumduction of the arm. It has more freedom of movement than any other joint of the body. This freedom results from the looseness of the articular capsule and the shallowness of the glenoid cavity in relation to the large size of the head of the humerus. -Although the ligaments of the shoulder joint strengthen it to some extent, most of the strength results from the muscles that surround the joint, especially the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) anchor the humerus to the scapula. The tendons of the rotator cuff muscles encircle the joint (except for the inferior portion) and intimately surround the articular capsule. The rotator cuff muscles work as a group to hold the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity.

synovial fluid

-The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid (ov- = egg), a viscous, clear or pale yellow fluid named for its similarity in appearance and consistency to uncooked egg white. Synovial fluid consists of hyaluronic acid secreted by synovial cells in the synovial membrane and interstitial fluid filtered from blood plasma. It forms a thin film over the surfaces within the articular capsule. Its functions include reducing friction by lubricating the joint, absorbing shocks, and supplying oxygen and nutrients to and removing carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes from the chondrocytes within articular cartilage. (Recall that cartilage is an avascular tissue, so it does not have blood vessels to perform the latter function.) Synovial fluid also contains phagocytic cells that remove microbes and the debris that results from normal wear and tear in the joint. When a synovial joint is immobile for a time, the fluid becomes quite viscous (gel-like), but as joint movement increases, the fluid becomes less viscous. One of the benefits of warming up before exercise is that it stimulates the production and secretion of synovial fluid; within limits, more fluid means less stress on the joints during exercise. -We are all familiar with the cracking sounds heard as certain joints move, or the popping sounds that arise when a person pulls on his fingers to crack his knuckles. According to one theory, when the synovial cavity expands, the pressure inside the synovial cavity decreases, creating a partial vacuum. The suction draws carbon dioxide and oxygen out of blood vessels in the synovial membrane, forming bubbles in the fluid. When the fingers are flexed (bent) the volume of the cavity decreases and the pressure increases; this bursts the bubbles and creates cracking or popping sounds as the gases are driven back into solution.

Joints are classified structurally, based on their anatomical characteristics, and functionally, based on the type of movement they permit. The structural classification of joints is based on two criteria: (1) the presence or absence of a space between the articulating bones, called a synovial cavity, and (2) the type of connective tissue that binds the bones together. Structurally, joints are classified as one of the following types:

1. fibrous 2. cartilaginous 3. synovial

The functional classification of joints relates to the degree of movement they permit. Functionally, joints are classified as one of the following types:

1. synarthrosis 2. amphiarthrosis 3. diarthrosis

The following factors contribute to keeping the articular surfaces in contact and affect range of motion:

1.Structure or shape of the articulating bones 2.Strength and tension (tautness) of the joint ligaments 3.Arrangement and tension of the muscles 4.Contact of soft parts 5. Hormones 6. Disuse

double-jointed

A "double-jointed" person does not really have extra joints. Individuals who are double-jointed have greater flexibility in their articular capsules and ligaments; the resulting increase in range of motion allows them to entertain fellow partygoers with activities such as touching their thumbs to their wrists and putting their ankles or elbows behind their necks. Unfortunately, such flexible joints are less structurally stable and are more easily dislocated.

ball-and-socket joint

A ball-and-socket joint or spheroid joint consists of the ball-like surface of one bone fitting into a cuplike depression of another bone. Such joints are triaxial (multiaxial), permitting movements around three axes (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and rotation). Examples of ball-and-socket joints are the shoulder and hip joints. At the shoulder joint, the head of the humerus fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula. At the hip joint, the head of the femur fits into the acetabulum of the hip (coxal) bone.

dislocated knee

A dislocated knee refers to the displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. The most common type is dislocation anteriorly, resulting from hyperextension of the knee. A frequent consequence of a dislocated knee is damage to the popliteal artery. If no surgery is required, treatment of knee injuries involves PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) with some strengthening exercises and perhaps physical therapy.

dislocation of the radial head

A dislocation of the radial head is the most common upper limb dislocation in children. In this injury, the head of the radius slides past or ruptures the radial anular ligament, a ligament that forms a collar around the head of the radius at the proximal radioulnar joint. Dislocation is most apt to occur when a strong pull is applied to the forearm while it is extended and supinated, for instance, while swinging a child around with outstretched arms.

labrum

A labrum (plural is labra), prominent in the ball-and-socket joints of the shoulder and hip, is the fibrocartilaginous lip that extends from the edge of the joint socket. The labrum helps deepen the joint socket and increases the area of contact between the socket and the ball-like surface of the head of the humerus or femur.

separated shoulder

A separated shoulder actually refers to an injury not to the shoulder joint but to the acromioclavicular joint, a joint formed by the acromion of the scapula and the acromial end of the clavicle. This condition is usually the result of forceful trauma to the joint, as when the shoulder strikes the ground in a fall. Treatment options are similar to those for treating a dislocated shoulder, although surgery is rarely needed.

articular capsule

A sleevelike articular capsule or joint capsule surrounds a synovial joint, encloses the synovial cavity, and unites the articulating bones. The articular capsule is composed of two layers, an outer fibrous membrane and an inner synovial membrane

suture

A suture (sutur = seam) is a fibrous joint composed of a thin layer of dense irregular connective tissue; sutures occur only between bones of the skull. An example is the coronal suture between the parietal and frontal bones. The irregular, interlocking edges of sutures give them added strength and decrease their chance of fracturing. Sutures are joints that form as the numerous bones of the skull come in contact during development. They are immovable or slightly movable. In older individuals, sutures are immovable (synarthroses), but in infants and children they are slightly movable (amphiarthroses). Sutures play important roles in shock absorption in the skull.

swollen knee

A swollen knee may occur immediately or hours after an injury. The initial swelling is due to escape of blood from damaged blood vessels adjacent to areas of injury, including rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, damage to synovial membranes, torn menisci, fractures, or collateral ligament sprains. Delayed swelling is due to excessive production of synovial fluid, a condition commonly referred to as "water on the knee."

symphysis

A symphysis (= growing together; plural is symphyses) is a cartilaginous joint in which the ends of the articulating bones are covered with hyaline cartilage, but a broad, flat disc of fibrocartilage connects the bones. All symphyses occur in the midline of the body. The pubic symphysis between the anterior surfaces of the hip bones is one example of a symphysis. This type of joint is also found at the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum and at the intervertebral joints between the bodies of vertebrae. A portion of the intervertebral disc is composed of fibrocartilage. A symphysis is a slightly movable joint (amphiarthrosis).

synchondrosis

A synchondrosis (chondro- = cartilage; plural is synchondroses) is a cartilaginous joint in which the connecting material is hyaline cartilage. An example of a synchondrosis is the epiphyseal (growth) plate that connects the epiphysis and diaphysis of a growing bone. A photomicrograph of the epiphyseal plate is shown in Figure 6.7b. Functionally, a synchondrosis is an immovable joint (synarthrosis). When bone elongation ceases, bone replaces the hyaline cartilage, and the synchondrosis becomes a synostosis, a bony joint. Another example of a synchondrosis is the joint between the first rib and the manubrium of the sternum, which also ossifies during adult life and becomes an immovable synostosis (synarthrosis), or bony joint.

syndesmosis

A syndesmosis (syndesmo- = band or ligament; plural is syndesmoses) is a fibrous joint in which there is a greater distance between the articulating surfaces and more dense irregular connective tissue than in a suture. The dense irregular connective tissue is typically arranged as a bundle (ligament), allowing the joint to permit limited movement. One example of a syndesmosis is the distal tibiofibular joint, where the anterior tibiofibular ligament connects the tibia and fibula. It permits slight movement (amphiarthrosis).

abduction and adduction

Abduction (ab- = away; -duct- = to lead) or radial deviation is the movement of a bone away from the midline; adduction (ad- = toward) or ulnar deviation is the movement of a bone toward the midline. Both movements usually occur along the frontal plane. Examples of abduction include moving the humerus laterally at the shoulder joint, moving the palm laterally at the wrist joint, and moving the femur laterally at the hip joint. The movement that returns each of these body parts to the anatomical position is adduction.

fact

Although all synovial joints have many characteristics in common, the shapes of the articulating surfaces vary; thus, many types of movements are possible. Synovial joints are divided into six categories based on type of movement: plane, hinge, pivot, condyloid, saddle, and ball-and-socket.

lateral flexion

Although flexion and extension usually occur along the sagittal plane, there are a few exceptions. For example, flexion of the thumb involves movement of the thumb medially across the palm at the carpometacarpal joint between the trapezium and metacarpal of the thumb, as when you touch your thumb to the opposite side of your palm. Another example is movement of the trunk sideways to the right or left at the waist. This movement, which occurs along the frontal plane and involves the intervertebral joints, is called lateral flexion

bursitis

An acute or chronic inflammation of a bursa, called bursitis, is usually caused by irritation from repeated, excessive exertion of a joint. The condition may also be caused by trauma, by an acute or chronic infection (including syphilis and tuberculosis), or by rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited movement. Treatment may include oral anti-inflammatory agents and injections of cortisol-like steroids.

fact

Anatomists, physical therapists, and kinesiologists (professionals who study the science of human movement and look for ways to improve the efficiency and performance of the human body at work, in sports, and in daily activities) use specific terminology to designate the movements that can occur at synovial joints. These precise terms may indicate the form of motion, the direction of movement, or the relationship of one body part to another during movement. Movements at synovial joints are grouped into four main categories: (1) gliding, (2) angular movements, (3) rotation, and (4) special movements, which occur only at certain joints.

gomphosis

Another example of a syndesmosis is called a gomphosis (gompbo- = bolt or nail) or dentoalveolar joint, in which a cone-shaped peg fits into a socket. The only examples of gomphoses in the human body are the articulations between the roots of the teeth and their sockets (alveoli) in the maxillae and mandible. The dense irregular connective tissue between a tooth and its socket is the thin periodontal ligament (membrane). A healthy gomphosis permits no movement (synarthrosis). Inflammation and degeneration of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone is called periodontal disease.

fibrous joints

As previously noted, fibrous joints lack a synovial cavity, and the articulating bones are held very closely together by dense irregular connective tissue. Fibrous joints permit little or no movement. The three types of fibrous joints are sutures, syndesmoses, and interosseous membranes.

articular fat pads

At many synovial joints the synovial membrane includes accumulations of adipose tissue, called articular fat pads. An example is the infrapatellar fat pad in the knee

Tibial collateral ligament

Broad, flat ligament on the medial surface of the joint that extends from the medial condyle of the femur to the medial condyle of the tibia. Tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles, all of which strengthen the medial aspect of the joint, cross the ligament. The tibial collateral ligament is firmly attached to the medial meniscus.

Oblique popliteal ligament

Broad, flat ligament that extends from the intercondylar fossa and lateral condyle of the femur to the head and medial condyle of the tibia. The ligament strengthens the posterior surface of the joint.

cartilaginous joints

Cartilaginous joints: There is no synovial cavity, and the bones are held together by cartilage.

circumduction

Circumduction (circ- = circle) is movement of the distal end of a body part in a circle. Circumduction is not an isolated movement by itself but rather a continuous sequence of flexion, abduction, extension, adduction, and rotation of the joint (or in the opposite order). It does not occur along a separate axis or plane of movement. Examples of circumduction are moving the humerus in a circle at the shoulder joint, moving the hand in a circle at the wrist joint, moving the thumb in a circle at the carpometacarpal joint, moving the fingers in a circle at the metacarpophalangeal joints (between the metacarpals and phalanges), and moving the femur in a circle at the hip joint. Both the shoulder and hip joints permit circumduction. Flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction are more limited in the hip joints than in the shoulder joints due to the tension on certain ligaments and muscles and the depth of the acetabulum in the hip joint.

Patellar ligament

Continuation of common tendon of insertion of quadriceps femoris muscle that extends from the patella to the tibial tuberosity. Also strengthens the anterior surface of the joint. Posterior surface of the ligament is separated from the synovial membrane of the joint by an infrapatellar fat pad

depression

Depression (= to press down) is an inferior movement of a part of the body, such as opening the mouth to depress the mandible or returning shrugged shoulders to the anatomical position to depress the scapula and clavicle.

elevation

Elevation (= to lift up) is a superior movement of a part of the body, such as closing the mouth at the temporomandibular joint (between the mandible and temporal bone) to elevate the mandible or shrugging the shoulders at the acromioclavicular joint to elevate the scapula and clavicle. Its opposing movement is depression. Other bones that may be elevated (or depressed) include the hyoid and ribs.

eversion

Eversion (= to turn outward) is a movement of the sole laterally at the intertarsal joints. Physical therapists also refer to eversion combined with dorsiflexion of the feet as pronation.

b. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

Extends anteriorly and medially from a depression on the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia and lateral meniscus to the anterior part of the lateral surface of the medial condyle of the femur. The PCL prevents the posterior sliding of the tibia (and anterior sliding of the femur) when the knee is flexed. This is very important when walking down stairs or a steep incline.

Arcuate popliteal ligament

Extends from lateral condyle of femur to styloid process of the head of the fibula. Strengthens the lower lateral part of the posterior surface of the joint

Articular disc (meniscus)

Fibrocartilage disc that separates the synovial cavity into superior and inferior compartments, each with a synovial membrane

fibrous joints

Fibrous joints: There is no synovial cavity, and the bones are held together by dense irregular connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers.

Ligament of the head of the femur

Flat, triangular band (primarily a synovial fold) that extends from the fossa of the acetabulum to the fovea capitis of the head of the femur. The ligament usually contains a small artery that supplies the head of the femur.

flexion and extension

Flexion and extension are opposite movements. In flexion (flex- = to bend) there is a decrease in the angle between articulating bones; in extension (exten- = to stretch out) there is an increase in the angle between articulating bones, often to restore a part of the body to the anatomical position after it has been flexed. Both movements usually occur along the sagittal plane.

Medial and lateral patellar retinacula

Fused tendons of insertion of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the fascia lata (fascia of thigh) that strengthen the anterior surface of the joint

gliding

Gliding is a simple movement in which nearly flat bone surfaces move back-and-forth and from side-to-side with respect to one another. There is no significant alteration of the angle between the bones. Gliding movements are limited in range due to the structure of the articular capsule and associated ligaments and bones; however, these sliding movements can also be combined with rotation. The intercarpal and intertarsal joints are examples of articulations where gliding movements occur.

condyloid joints

In a condyloid joint (condyl- = knuckle) or ellipsoidal joint, the convex oval-shaped projection of one bone fits into the oval-shaped depression of another bone. A condyloid joint is biaxial because the movement it permits is around two axes (flexion-extension and abduction-adduction), plus limited circumduction (remember that circumduction is not an isolated movement). Examples of condyloid joints are the radiocarpal (wrist) and metacarpophalangeal joints (between the metacarpals and proximal phalanges) of the second through fifth digits.

hinge joint

In a hinge joint, or ginglymus joint, the convex surface of one bone fits into the concave surface of another bone. As the name implies, hinge joints produce an angular, opening-and-closing motion like that of a hinged door. In most joint movements, one bone remains in a fixed position while the other moves around an axis. Hinge joints are uniaxial (monaxial) because they typically allow motion around a single axis. Hinge joints permit only flexion and extension. Examples of hinge joints are the knee (actually a modified hinge joint, which will be described later), elbow, ankle, and interphalangeal joints (between the phalanges of the fingers and toes).

pivot joint

In a pivot joint, or trochoid joint, the rounded or pointed surface of one bone articulates with a ring formed partly by another bone and partly by a ligament. A pivot joint is uniaxial because it allows rotation only around its own longitudinal axis. Examples of pivot joints are the atlanto-axial joint, in which the atlas rotates around the axis and permits the head to turn from side-to-side as when you shake your head "no", and the radioulnar joints that enable the palms to turn anteriorly and posteriorly as the head of the radius pivots around its long axis in the radial notch of the ulna.

saddle joint

In a saddle joint or sellar joint, the articular surface of one bone is saddle-shaped, and the articular surface of the other bone fits into the "saddle" as a sitting rider would sit. The movements at a saddle joint are the same as those at a condyloid joint: biaxial (flexion-extension and abduction-adduction) plus limited circumduction. An example of a saddle joint is the carpometacarpal joint between the trapezium of the carpus and metacarpal of the thumb.

torn glenoid labrum

In a torn glenoid labrum, the fibrocartilaginous labrum may tear away from the glenoid cavity. This causes the joint to catch or feel like it's slipping out of place. The shoulder may indeed become dislocated as a result. A torn labrum is reattached to the glenoid surgically with anchors and sutures. The repaired joint is more stable.

fact

In an x-ray of a young person's skeleton, the synchondroses are easily seen as thin dark areas between the white-appearing bone tissue. This is how a medical professional can view an x-ray and determine that a person still has some degree of growth remaining. Breaks in a bone that extend into the epiphyseal plate and damage the cartilage of the synchondrosis can affect further growth of the bone, leading to abbreviated development and a bone of shortened length.

angular movements

In angular movements, there is an increase or a decrease in the angle between articulating bones. The major angular movements are flexion, extension, lateral flexion, hyperextension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction. These movements are discussed with respect to the body in the anatomical position

rotation

In rotation (rota- = revolve), a bone revolves around its own longitudinal axis. One example is turning the head from side to side at the atlanto-axial joint (between the atlas and axis), as when you shake your head "no". Another is turning the trunk from side-to-side at the intervertebral joints while keeping the hips and lower limbs in the anatomical position. In the limbs, rotation is defined relative to the midline, and specific qualifying terms are used. If the anterior surface of a bone of the limb is turned toward the midline, the movement is called medial (internal) rotation. You can medially rotate the humerus at the shoulder joint as follows: Starting in the anatomical position, flex your elbow and then move your palm across the chest. You can medially rotate the femur at the hip joint as follows: Lie on your back, bend your knee, and then move your leg and foot laterally from the midline. Although you are moving your leg and foot laterally, the femur is rotating medially. Medial rotation of the leg at the knee joint can be produced by sitting on a chair, bending your knee, raising your lower limb off the floor, and turning your toes medially. If the anterior surface of the bone of a limb is turned away from the midline, the movement is called lateral (external) rotation.

movements

In the temporomandibular joint, only the mandible moves because the temporal bone is firmly anchored to other bones of the skull by sutures. Accordingly, the mandible may function in depression (jaw opening) and elevation (jaw closing), which occurs in the inferior compartment, and protraction, retraction, lateral displacement, and slight rotation, which occur in the superior compartment

articular discs or menisci

Inside some synovial joints, such as the knee, crescent-shaped pads of fibrocartilage lie between the articular surfaces of the bones and are attached to the fibrous capsule. These pads are called articular discs or menisci (singular is meniscus). Figure 9.15d depicts the lateral and medial menisci in the knee joint. The discs bind strongly to the inside of the fibrous membrane and usually subdivide the synovial cavity into two spaces, allowing separate movements to occur in each space. As you will see later, separate movements also occur in the respective compartments of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The functions of the menisci are not completely understood but are known to include the following: (1) shock absorption; (2) a better fit between articulating bony surfaces; (3) providing adaptable surfaces for combined movements; (4) weight distribution over a greater contact surface; and (5) distribution of synovial lubricant across the articular surfaces of the joint.

inversion

Inversion (= to turn inward) is movement of the sole medially at the intertarsal joints (between the tarsals). Its opposing movement is eversion. Physical therapists also refer to inversion combined with plantar flexion of the feet as supination.

Hormones

Joint flexibility may also be affected by hormones. For example, relaxin, a hormone produced by the placenta and ovaries, increases the flexibility of the fibrocartilage of the pubic symphysis and loosens the ligaments between the sacrum, hip bone, and coccyx toward the end of pregnancy. These changes permit expansion of the pelvic outlet, which assists in delivery of the baby.

Intracapsular ligaments

Ligaments within capsule connecting tibia and femur. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (= like a cross) are named based on their origins relative to the intercondylar area of the tibia. From their origins, they cross on their way to their destinations on the femur.

cartilaginous joint

Like a fibrous joint, a cartilaginous joint lacks a synovial cavity and allows little or no movement. Here the articulating bones are tightly connected by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage. The two types of cartilaginous joints are synchondroses and symphyses.

Little-league elbow

Little-league elbow, inflammation of the medial epicondyle, typically develops as a result of a heavy pitching schedule and/or a schedule that involves throwing curve balls, especially among youngsters. In this disorder, the elbow joint may enlarge, fragment, or separate.

Disuse

Movement at a joint may be restricted if a joint has not been used for an extended period. For example, if an elbow joint is immobilized by a cast, range of motion at the joint may be limited for a time after the cast is removed. Disuse may also result in decreased amounts of synovial fluid, diminished flexibility of ligaments and tendons, and muscular atrophy, a reduction in size or wasting of a muscle.

Arrangement and tension of the muscles

Muscle tension reinforces the restraint placed on a joint by its ligaments, and thus restricts movement. A good example of the effect of muscle tension on a joint is seen at the hip joint. When the thigh is flexed with the knee extended, the flexion of the hip joint is restricted by the tension of the hamstring muscles on the posterior surface of the thigh, so most of us can't raise a straightened leg more than a 90-degree angle from the floor. But if the knee is also flexed, the tension on the hamstring muscles is lessened, and the thigh can be raised farther, allowing you to raise your thigh to touch your chest.

Glenoid labrum

Narrow rim of fibrocartilage around the edge of the glenoid cavity that slightly deepens and enlarges the glenoid cavity

Transverse humeral ligament

Narrow sheet extending from the greater tubercle to the lesser tubercle of the humerus. The ligament functions as a retinaculum (retaining band of connective tissue) to hold the long head of the biceps brachii muscle.

b. Lateral meniscus

Nearly circular piece of fibrocartilage (approaches an incomplete O in shape). Its anterior end is attached anteriorly to the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, and laterally and posteriorly to the anterior cruciate ligament. Its posterior end is attached posteriorly to the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, and anteriorly to the posterior end of the medial meniscus. The anterior surfaces of the medial and lateral menisci are connected to each other by the transverse ligament of the knee and to the margins of the head of the tibia by the coronary ligaments (not illustrated).

Articular capsule

No complete, independent capsule unites the bones of the knee joint. The ligamentous sheath surrounding the joint consists mostly of muscle tendons or their expansions. There are, however, some capsular fibers connecting the articulating bones.

opposition

Opposition is the movement of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint (between the trapezium and metacarpal of the thumb) in which the thumb moves across the palm to touch the tips of the fingers on the same hand. These "opposable thumbs" allow the distinctive digital movement that gives humans and other primates the ability to grasp and manipulate objects very precisely.

plantar flexion

Plantar flexion involves bending of the foot at the ankle joint in the direction of the plantar or inferior surface, as when you elevate your body by standing on your toes

pronation

Pronation is a movement of the forearm at the proximal and distal radioulnar joints in which the distal end of the radius crosses over the distal end of the ulna and the palm is turned posteriorly

protraction

Protraction (= to draw forth) is a movement of a part of the body anteriorly in the transverse plane. Its opposing movement is retraction. You can protract your mandible at the temporomandibular joint by thrusting it outward or protract your clavicles at the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints by crossing your arms.

Rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff injury is a strain or tear in the rotator cuff muscles and is a common injury among baseball pitchers, volleyball players, racket sports players, swimmers, and violinists, due to shoulder movements that involve vigorous circumduction. It also occurs as a result of wear and tear, aging, trauma, poor posture, improper lifting, and repetitive motions in certain jobs, such as placing items on a shelf above your head. Most often, there is tearing of the supraspinatus muscle tendon of the rotator cuff. This tendon is especially predisposed to wear and tear because of its location between the head of the humerus and acromion of the scapula, which compresses the tendon during shoulder movements. Poor posture and poor body mechanics also increase compression of the supraspinatus muscle tendon.

a. Medial meniscus

Semicircular piece of fibrocartilage (C-shaped). Its anterior end is attached to the anterior intercondylar fossa of the tibia, anterior to the anterior cruciate ligament. Its posterior end is attached to the posterior intercondylar fossa of the tibia between the attachments of the posterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus

synostosis

Some sutures, although present during growth of the skull, are replaced by bone in the adult. Such a suture is called a synostosis (os- = bone), or bony joint—a joint in which there is a complete fusion of two separate bones into one. For example, the frontal bone grows in halves that join together across a suture line. Usually they are completely fused by age 6 and the suture becomes obscure. If the suture persists beyond age 6, it is called a frontal or metopic suture (metopon = forehead). A synostosis is classified as a synarthrosis because it is immovable.

special movements

Special movements occur only at certain joints. They include elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, supination, pronation, and opposition

Anular ligament of the radius

Strong band that encircles the head of the radius. It holds the head of the radius in the radial notch of the ulna

Transverse ligament of the acetabulum

Strong ligament that crosses over the acetabular notch. It supports part of the acetabular labrum and is connected with the ligament of the head of the femur and the articular capsule

Coracohumeral ligament

Strong, broad ligament that strengthens the superior part of the articular capsule and extends from the coracoid process of the scapula to the greater tubercle of the humerus. The ligament strengthens the superior part of the articular capsule and reinforces the anterior aspect of the articular capsule.

Fibular collateral ligament

Strong, rounded ligament on the lateral surface of the joint that extends from the lateral condyle of the femur to the lateral side of the head of the fibula. It strengthens the lateral aspect of the joint. The ligament is covered by the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle. The tendon of the popliteal muscle is deep to the ligament.

Radial collateral ligament

Strong, triangular ligament that extends from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the anular ligament of the radius and the radial notch of the ulna

tendon sheaths

Structures called tendon sheaths also reduce friction at joints. Tendon sheaths or synovial sheaths are tubelike bursae; they wrap around certain tendons that experience considerable friction as they pass through tunnels formed by connective tissue and bone. The inner layer of a tendon sheath, the visceral layer, is attached to the surface of the tendon. The outer layer, known as the parietal layer, is attached to bone. Between the layers is a cavity that contains a film of synovial fluid. A tendon sheath protects all sides of a tendon from friction as the tendon slides back and forth. Tendon sheaths are found where tendons pass through synovial cavities, such as the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle at the shoulder joint. Tendon sheaths are also found at the wrist and ankle, where many tendons come together in a confined space, and in the fingers and toes, where there is a great deal of movement.

supination

Supination is a movement of the forearm at the proximal and distal radioulnar joints in which the palm is turned anteriorly. This position of the palms is one of the defining features of the anatomical position. Its opposing movement is pronation.

arthroscopy

Surgical repair of the torn cartilage may be assisted by arthroscopy (-scopy = observation). This minimally invasive procedure involves examination of the interior of a joint, usually the knee, with an arthroscope, a lighted, pencil-thin fiber optic camera used for visualizing the nature and extent of damage. Arthroscopy is also used to monitor the progression of disease and the effects of therapy. The insertion of surgical instruments through other incisions also enables a physician to remove torn cartilage and repair damaged cruciate ligaments in the knee; obtain tissue samples for analysis; and perform surgery on other joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and wrist.

synarthrosis

Synarthrosis (syn- = together): An immovable joint. The plural is synarthroses.

synovial joints

Synovial joints have certain characteristics that distinguish them from other joints. The unique characteristic of a synovial joint is the presence of a space called a synovial cavity or joint cavity between the articulating bones. Because the synovial cavity allows considerable movement at a joint, all synovial joints are classified functionally as freely movable (diarthroses).

synovial joints

Synovial joints: The bones forming the joint have a synovial cavity and are united by the dense irregular connective tissue of an articular capsule, and often by accessory ligaments.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow most commonly refers to pain at or near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, usually caused by an improperly executed backhand. The extensor muscles strain or sprain, resulting in pain.

Articular capsule

The anterior part of the articular capsule covers the anterior part of the elbow joint, from the radial and coronoid fossae of the humerus to the coronoid process of the ulna and the anular ligament of the radius. The posterior part extends from the capitulum, olecranon fossa, and lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the anular ligament of the radius, the olecranon of the ulna, and the ulna posterior to the radial notch

range of motion (ROM)

The articular surfaces of synovial joints contact one another and determine the type and possible range of motion. Range of motion (ROM) refers to the range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which the bones of a joint can be moved.

plane joint

The articulating surfaces of bones in a plane joint, also called a planar joint, are flat or slightly curved. Plane joints primarily permit back-and-forth and side-to-side movements between the flat surfaces of bones, but they may also rotate against one another. Many plane joints are biaxial, meaning that they permit movement in two axes. An axis is a straight line around which a bone rotates (revolves) or slides. If plane joints rotate in addition to sliding, then they are triaxial (multiaxial), permitting movement in three axes. Some examples of plane joints are the intercarpal joints (between carpal bones at the wrist), intertarsal joints (between tarsal bones at the ankle), sternoclavicular joints (between the manubrium of the sternum and the clavicle), acromioclavicular joints (between the acromion of the scapula and the clavicle), sternocostal joints (between the sternum and ends of the costal cartilages at the tips of the second through seventh pairs of ribs), and vertebrocostal joints (between the heads and tubercles of ribs and bodies and transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae).

articular cartilage

The bones at a synovial joint are covered by a layer of hyaline cartilage called articular cartilage. The cartilage covers the articulating surfaces of the bones with a smooth, slippery surface but does not bind them together. Articular cartilage reduces friction between bones in the joint during movement and helps to absorb shock.

Strength and tension (tautness) of the joint ligaments

The different components of a fibrous capsule are tense or taut only when the joint is in certain positions. Tense ligaments not only restrict the range of motion but also direct the movement of the articulating bones with respect to each other. In the knee joint, for example, the anterior cruciate ligament is taut and the posterior cruciate ligament is loose when the knee is straightened, and the reverse occurs when the knee is bent. In the hip joint, certain ligaments become taut when standing and more firmly attach the head of the femur to the acetabulum of the hip bone.

fibrous membrane

The fibrous membrane usually consists of dense irregular connective tissue (mostly collagen fibers) that attaches to the periosteum of the articulating bones. In fact, the fibrous membrane is literally a thickened continuation of the periosteum between the bones. The flexibility of the fibrous membrane permits considerable movement at a joint, while its great tensile strength (resistance to stretching) helps prevent the bones from dislocating, the displacement of a bone from a joint. The fibers of some fibrous membranes are arranged as parallel bundles of dense regular connective tissue that are highly adapted for resisting strains.

interosseous membrane

The final category of fibrous joint is the interosseous membrane, which is a substantial sheet of dense irregular connective tissue that binds neighboring long bones and permits slight movement (amphiarthrosis). There are two principal interosseous membrane joints in the human body. One occurs between the radius and ulna in the forearm and the other occurs between the tibia and fibula in the leg.

"unhappy triad"

The firm attachment of the tibial collateral ligament to the medial meniscus is clinically significant because tearing of the ligament typically also results in tearing of the meniscus. Such an injury may occur in sports such as football and rugby when the knee receives a blow from the lateral side while the foot is fixed on the ground. The force of the blow may also tear the anterior cruciate ligament, which is also connected to the medial meniscus. The term "unhappy triad" is applied to a knee injury that involves damage to the three components of the knee at the same time: the tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament.

hip joint

The hip joint (coxal joint) is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the hip bone.

movements

The hip joint allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, lateral rotation medial rotation, and circumduction of the thigh. The extreme stability of the hip joint is related to the very strong articular capsule and its accessory ligaments, the manner in which the femur fits into the acetabulum, and the muscles surrounding the joint. Although the shoulder and hip joints are both ball-and-socket joints, the hip joints do not have as wide a range of motion. Flexion is limited by the anterior surface of the thigh coming into contact with the anterior abdominal wall when the knee is flexed and by tension of the hamstring muscles when the knee is extended. Extension is limited by tension of the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments. Abduction is limited by the tension of the pubofemoral ligament, and adduction is limited by contact with the opposite limb and tension in the ligament of the head of the femur. Medial rotation is limited by the tension in the ischiofemoral ligament, and lateral rotation is limited by tension in the iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments.

dislocated shoulder

The joint most commonly dislocated in adults is the shoulder joint because its socket is quite shallow and the bones are held together by supporting muscles. Usually in a dislocated shoulder, the head of the humerus becomes displaced inferiorly, where the articular capsule is least protected. Dislocations of the mandible, elbow, fingers, knee, or hip are less common. Dislocations are treated with rest, ice, pain relievers, manual manipulation, or surgery followed by use of a sling and physical therapy.

knee joint

The knee joint (tibiofemoral joint) is the largest and most complex joint of the body. It is a modified hinge joint (because its primary movement is a uniaxial hinge movement) that consists of three joints within a single synovial cavity: 1. Laterally is a tibiofemoral joint, between the lateral condyle of the femur, lateral meniscus, and lateral condyle of the tibia, which is the weight-bearing bone of the leg. 2. Medially is another tibiofemoral joint, between the medial condyle of the femur, medial meniscus, and medial condyle of the tibia. 3. An intermediate patellofemoral joint is between the patella and the patellar surface of the femur.

movements

The knee joint allows flexion, extension, slight medial rotation, and lateral rotation of the leg in the flexed position

knee injuries

The knee joint is the joint most vulnerable to damage because it is a mobile, weight-bearing joint and its stability depends almost entirely on its associated ligaments and muscles. Further, there is no complementary fit between the surfaces of the articulating bones. Following are several kinds of knee injuries.

fact

The midline of the body is not used as a point of reference for abduction and adduction of the digits. In abduction of the fingers (but not the thumb), an imaginary line is drawn through the longitudinal axis of the middle (longest) finger, and the fingers move away (spread out) from the middle finger. In abduction of the thumb, the thumb moves away from the palm in the sagittal plane. Abduction of the toes is relative to an imaginary line drawn through the second toe. Adduction of the fingers and toes returns them to the anatomical position. Adduction of the thumb moves the thumb toward the palm in the sagittal plane.

Contact of soft parts

The point at which one body surface contacts another may limit mobility. For example, if you bend your arm at the elbow, it can move no farther after the anterior surface of the forearm meets with and presses against the biceps brachii muscle of the arm. Joint movement may also be restricted by the presence of adipose tissue.

shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula. It is also referred to as the humeroscapular or glenohumeral joint

ligaments

The strength of these fiber bundles, called ligaments (liga- = bound or tied), is one of the principal mechanical factors that hold bones close together in a synovial joint. Ligaments are often designated by individual names.

torn cartilage

The tearing of menisci in the knee, commonly called torn cartilage, occurs often among athletes. Such damaged cartilage will begin to wear and may cause arthritis to develop unless the damaged cartilage is treated surgically. Years ago, if a patient had torn cartilage, the entire meniscus was removed by a procedure called a meniscectomy. The problem was that over time the articular cartilage was worn away more quickly. Currently, surgeons perform a partial meniscectomy, in which only the torn segment of the meniscus is removed.

temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a combined hinge and plane joint formed by the condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa and articular tubercle of the temporal bone. The temporomandibular joint is the only freely movable joint between skull bones (with the exception of the ear ossicles); all other skull joints are sutures and therefore immovable or slightly movable.

bursae

The various movements of the body create friction between moving parts. Saclike structures called bursae (= purses; singular is bursa) are strategically situated to alleviate friction in some joints, such as the shoulder and knee joints. Bursae are not strictly part of synovial joints, but they do resemble joint capsules because their walls consist of an outer fibrous membrane of thin, dense connective tissue lined by a synovial membrane. They are filled with a small amount of fluid that is similar to synovial fluid. Bursae can be located between the skin and bones, tendons and bones, muscles and bones, or ligaments and bones. The fluid-filled bursal sacs cushion the movement of these body parts against one another.

Stylomandibular ligament

Thickened band of deep cervical fascia that extends from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the inferior and posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. This ligament separates the parotid gland from the submandibular gland and limits movement of the mandible at the TMJ

Iliofemoral ligament

Thickened portion of the articular capsule that extends from the anterior inferior iliac spine of the hip bone to the intertrochanteric line of the femur. This ligament is said to be the body's strongest and prevents hyperextension of the femur at the hip joint during standing.

Ischiofemoral ligament

Thickened portion of the articular capsule that extends from the ischial wall bordering the acetabulum to the neck of the femur. This ligament slackens during adduction, tenses during abduction, and strengthens the articular capsule.

Pubofemoral ligament

Thickened portion of the articular capsule that extends from the pubic part of the rim of the acetabulum to the neck of the femur. This ligament prevents overabduction of the femur at the hip joint and strengthens the articular capsule.

Sphenomandibular ligament

Thin band that extends inferiorly and anteriorly from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the ramus of the mandible. It does not contribute significantly to the strength of the joint.

Articular capsule

Thin, fairly loose envelope around the circumference of the joint

Articular capsule

Thin, loose sac that completely envelops the joint and extends from the glenoid cavity to the anatomical neck of the humerus. The inferior part of the capsule is its weakest area

Glenohumeral ligaments

Three thickenings of the articular capsule over the anterior surface of the joint that extend from the glenoid cavity to the lesser tubercle and anatomical neck of the humerus. These ligaments are often indistinct or absent and provide only minimal strength. They play a role in joint stabilization when the humerus approaches or exceeds its limits of motion.

Articular discs (menisci)

Two fibrocartilage discs between the tibial and femoral condyles help compensate for the irregular shapes of the bones and circulate synovial fluid.

Lateral ligament

Two short bands on the lateral surface of the articular capsule that extend inferiorly and posteriorly from the inferior border and tubercle of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone to the lateral and posterior aspect of the neck of the mandible. The lateral ligament is covered by the parotid gland and helps strengthen the joint laterally and prevent displacement of the mandible

Articular capsule

Very dense and strong capsule that extends from the rim of the acetabulum to the neck of the femur. With its accessory ligaments, this is one of the strongest structures of the body. The articular capsule consists of circular and longitudinal fibers. The circular fibers, called the zona orbicularis, form a collar around the neck of the femur. Accessory ligaments known as the iliofemoral ligament, pubofemoral ligament, and ischiofemoral ligament reinforce the longitudinal fibers of the articular capsule.

autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)

When there is damage to articular cartilage in the knee joint, especially involving the femur, there is an alternative to partial or total knee replacement called autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Candidates for ACI have cartilage damage due to acute or repetitive trauma, not arthritis. In the procedure, healthy chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are taken from an area of the femoral condyle that is not weight-bearing and sent to a laboratory, where they are cultured for 4 to 5 weeks to generate between 5 million and 10 million cells. When the cultured cells are available, the implantation takes place. The damaged area is prepared by removing dead cartilage from the defect, which is covered by a piece of periosteum, usually taken from the tibia. Then the cultured chondrocytes are injected under the periosteum, where they will grow and mature over time. The patient can put the full weight of the body on the knee in about 10 to 12 weeks.